How are you feeling right now in the midst of a pandemic?

It all seems surreal to me. It’s strange because while my day-to-day routine has changed and I no longer meet up with my friends on weekends, my community has been fortunate to have not been as severely affected by COVID-19, so life just seems a bit quieter and slower than usual. It’s strange to go walking and listen to podcasts detailing the rising number of cases, ventilator shortages, economic repercussions, and other consequences of the spread while seeing my neighbors gardening or kids playing sports in their yards. I’m very thankful that I’m in a location that’s been relatively safe thus far, but I’m concerned that because the virus hasn’t hit my immediate community as hard, individuals won’t adhere to the CDC’s guidelines and take the proper precautions. 

What do you do to keep yourself sane?

I go on lots of walks. I am fortunate to live in a suburban area where I can easily go on a walk in my neighborhood while practicing social distancing. I also try to keep active by taking online yoga classes or doing workout videos on YouTube. Aside from keeping active and getting outside, I love calling or video chatting with my friends. It’s so nice being able to check-in on them and make sure they’re okay. It helps to know we’re all in this together. 

Before the COVID-19 affected the U.S, how did you first react to the disease?

I first heard about COVID-19 through NPR’s Up First daily news podcast. It seemed really scary because it was spreading so rapidly and there was no cure, but I had heard about the Chinese government taking precautions such as putting Wuhan on lockdown to contain it. It was shocking to see a massive city shut down and to listen to interviews snippets and stories about how it was affecting life in Wuhan. I thought that because such stringent measures were being taken, it would be largely contained, and I expected the virus’s impact on the US to be similar to that of Ebola or SARS. In full transparency, it was something I paid attention to and learned about through podcasts, but at first I didn’t think would affect me and my immediate community as drastically as it has. However, as news sources continued to emphasize how quickly the virus was spreading across China I began to seek out podcasts specifically chronicling the spread of the virus and interviewing health experts, such as The Daily.

What concerns you the most from this experience?

Personally, I am more worried about the older people in my community and in my family. My granddad lives in a complex for elderly, independent individuals. They confirmed one case in the complex. I know the staff is taking protective measures—delivering food delivered and taking care of the elderly people in need. However, it’s still a scary situation. I’m concerned for the individuals, as they’re not only the most susceptible to the virus, but they cannot see their families and most live alone in their apartments — I feel like quarantining alone would be really tough on one’s mental health.

On a more macro level, I would say that I think that the virus will make us rethink our public health system and how we distribute benefits. It will be interesting to see how the government continues to provide aid and which groups they target —in particular, how they distribute aid to individuals, small businesses, or big corporations. I think individuals and small businesses are most in need of the aid. Small businesses are what makes communities unique, keep money in the local economy, and typically hire locally, so I think they’re important to support. Aid also needs to be provided to individuals — so many people already struggle to meet basic needs —during this time, I hope that we are able to set aside differences and ideologies and come together to ensure everyone’s basic needs of food, clean water, and shelter are being met. Coming out of this, I hope people are kinder and things change systematically. For a world so obsessed with “productivity” and GDP measurements, it’s important to keep in mind that ultimately, it is the people that make up the workforce and need to be supported. 

What are some things that you have realized from this experience?

I think what I’ve realized is that — I’m gonna take more of an optimistic/positive direction. For myself, even though my work hasn’t slowed down, having to stay home on the weekends has given me more time for myself to reflect through journaling and be inspired through reading. Even though I generally I try stay fit, making time for an exercise class or a walk means is a major mood booster and provides a mental escape. Being forced into taking time to slow down and spend time by myself has made me realize I need to actively continue to make this time for myself going forward. 

In addition, just looking out my window, I’m seeing so many neighbors I’ve never seen before. I hope they’re lucky enough to be in as fortunate a position as I am, and to take this time to slow down as well and reconnect with nature. When it’s finally safe to resume “normalcy” I hope that this re-connection with nature and time to appreciate the simple things — such as spending time with family or a good book — will allow us to lead more minimalist lifestyles. I’m also hoping that there will be more focus on climate action and the environmental movement. Like a pandemic, climate change can be prevented if the proper systems are in place and experts are listened to.  

Now before I get too off top — I think that the biggest realization we’ve had globally is how kind other people are and the importance of community. I see individuals coming together to help out older and more susceptible people in the community, whether it be doing their grocery shopping or stopping by — six feet apart of course — and saying “Hi.” Others have been helping out by buying gift cards, or supporting local businesses by getting meals to-go. More people are acknowledging people in their neighborhoods and are embracing their community.

As soon as this is “over,” what do you wish to do immediately?

Once it’s safer, I would love to have a massive picnic with my friends at Piedmont Park and just be together. It’d be so nice to gather in person and share a meal together, spending the day outside playing sports.

“It’s strange to go walking and listen to podcasts detailing the rising number of cases, ventilator shortages, economic repercussions, and other consequences of the spread while seeing my neighbors gardening or kids playing sports in their yards.”

What is one piece of advice you have for others?

I would say try to stay optimistic as possible. I know it can be hard, but reach out to your loved ones and check in on them. Do what makes you happy. I know I’ve been seeing a lot of posts stating, “Use this time to learn new skills,” however, not everyone has the luxury of having the time, energy, or mental head-space to engage in that. Just take 15 minutes a day to do something small that puts a smile on your face.

What do you crave the most right now?

Nothing really. I guess I think about food from my favorite restaurants from time to time, but I’ve been cooking so I’ve been satisfied. Actually, I’d love to go sit in one of my favorite coffee shops, sip a latte, and read or get work done.

What brings you joy especially at times like this?

Hearing my friends’ voices and knowing that they’re okay. Whether we’re talking about how they’re coping with COVID-19 or touching on some lighter topics like new shows or books, it’s nice to know they’re safe! I always hope our conversation can put them in good spirits. Being able to be together, even if it’s virtually, makes me happy.